Real Madrid resume their campaign this weekend with a long-anticipated return to Real’s home ground, the Bernabeu. As such, this would be a special match. Not only will the fans be there to cheer Los Blancos ON, but, this would also be the first home game of the season after starting the season with three back-to-back games on the road.
Real Madrid collected seven of the available nine points from the first three games and went into the International break as the leaders of LaLiga. They would be expected to continue their form as they eye a victory at the Bernabeu against a visiting Celta side. Here are the three keys to abide by and ensure that victory.
1. Contain key player, Iago Aspas
The first thing to keep in mind is to not allow Celta’s Iago Aspas abundance of space and opportunities. It would be the biggest key for the White defense. Iago Aspas is figuratively a Celta legend. He is the only goalscorer so far in the league for the side. Although it was a penalty converted against Jan Oblak, Aspas has a few tricks up his sleeve to frustrate Real Madrid.
Despite being a Centre-Forward, Iago Aspas’s play-making abilities are next to none. He had a healthy assisting record last season and this season too, he has been Celta’s best outfield player per Sofascore. Only, goalkeeper Matias Dituro has a better match rating after three games in the league.
2. Real Madrid must utilize fast, counter-attacking football
Though Celta hasn’t started the season on a high, they have only conceded three goals in three matches. Real Madrid on the other hand has conceded four. Though not a very justifiable comparison, something that is clear is that Celta are a stubborn defense and they do not let oppositions score very easily.
Now, there are few visible weak links in Celta’s defensive play that can be exploited in Real Madrid’s favor. The first is that they struggle against a high tempo. And, Real Madrid under Carlo Ancelotti has been playing high-tempo attacking football. They are particularly weak against speedy counters and long shots. You may be reminded of Angel Correa’s opener in the first game.
My shout for Real Madrid would be to rely on launching counters. Luka Modric is expected to be back for the next Matchday alongside a slim chance of the new signing, Eduardo Camavinga starting too. Either players can help massively in ball retrievals in midfield or even higher up the pitch. This would be especially important since the Brazilians on International Duty are expected to miss this Matchday and Carlos Casemiro wouldn’t be there to help us win the ball, all match-long.
Therefore, the second key is to wreak havoc off the ball retrievals. Win the ball higher up the pitch and launch an attack immediately. Vinicius Junior’s pace again could be a big miss and Eden Hazard would need to be in his sparkling best to deceive a very diligently defending Celta side.
3. Real Madrid must score first and control the match
Against Celta, scoring first is a vital key. One of their key strengths is that they hold on to a lead very well. They are a diligently defending side and that is why Real Madrid should look to score first in the match and gain a little control of the game. There is a fair chance of the same happening, we have seen how eventful this International Break has been for some Madridistas and especially for the ones who needed some quality time on the pitch.
Firstly, Fede Valverde had a few great outings including a goal. It would be important to the young man who had below-the-radar displays in the league so far. The same goes for Gareth Bale and Eden Hazard who both shined in their National colors. And, Karim Benzema has been doing the same. Putting on some world-class linkups with Antoinne Griezmann. All of these need to start off well.
There have been instances where players have a brilliant break and then due to change in systems, struggle to adapt in the resumption match. Don Carlo needs to make sure that isn’t the case here. A slip-up against Celta, an opposition Real would be expected to get past easily, could weigh heavy later on.
The reported returns of Nacho and Luka Modric are undoubtedly positive and uplifting. The central defense could see Nacho and Alaba working together. And having Modric back assures that Real Madrid would be running the match on their conditions and not Celta’s. The most vital key, therefore, is to score first and gain control of the game, add to the lead if possible, and put the game to bed with some diligent defending.